Contemporary luxury resort on Kendwa Beach featuring stylish bungalows, multiple pools, spa, and exceptional dining. Adults-only section available. Perfect blend of modern comfort and tropical paradise.
Zuri Zanzibar is a contemporary luxury resort positioned on Kendwa Beach at the northwestern tip of Unguja Island, approximately 55 kilometres north of Stone Town and around 65 kilometres from Zanzibar International Airport. Kendwa's beach faces northwest, providing some of the island's best sunset views and — unlike the east coast — consistent swimmability throughout tidal cycles, as the tidal variation here is minimal. The resort opened in the early 2010s as part of a wave of design-led high-end properties that positioned Zanzibar as a competitor to the Maldives and Seychelles for Indian Ocean luxury travellers.
The property spreads across a well-maintained tropical garden connecting the main resort buildings to the beach. Accommodation comprises a mix of standalone beachfront bungalows, garden bungalows, and larger suite configurations set in stepped terraces. The aesthetic is contemporary tropical — clean-lined whitewashed structures with dark timber detailing, infinity-edged pools, and thatched shade structures above loungers — rather than traditional Swahili. The resort includes a dedicated adults-only pool and bungalow section for guests travelling without children, alongside family-friendly areas with a Kids Club programme and a dedicated family pool.
Dining options span multiple venues: a main restaurant serving international and Indian Ocean cuisine in an open-air setting, a beach grill operating at lunchtimes and on selective evenings, and a swim-up bar servicing the main pool. Breakfast is buffet-style and included in most room packages, featuring freshly squeezed tropical juices, local Zanzibar spiced chai, and an extensive hot and cold spread. The spa operates from a standalone pavilion offering treatments using local coconut, clove, and ylang-ylang-based products.
Water sports available on the beach include snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. The hotel's activity team arranges excursions to nearby Mnemba Atoll for diving and snorkelling, sunset dhow cruises, and guided spice farm visits to the Zanzibar interior.
Amenities
- multiple pools
- spa
- beach
- restaurants
- bars
- water sports
- wifi
- kids club
Location
Kendwa Beach, Unguja Island, Zanzibar
-5.7500, 39.2667 View on map
Highlights
- Northwest-facing Kendwa Beach location with reliable all-day swimming and exceptional sunset views from the beach and pool
- Dedicated adults-only pool and bungalow wing alongside family areas with Kids Club — catering clearly to both market segments
- Contemporary design aesthetic with whitewashed bungalows, infinity pools, and direct beach access
- Multi-venue dining including a beach grill, main restaurant, and swim-up bar with Indian Ocean-inspired menus
- Spa treatments using locally sourced Zanzibar ingredients including clove, coconut, and ylang-ylang
Tips for visiting
- The adults-only bungalows are positioned closer to the beach with additional privacy screening; guests travelling as a couple should specifically request this section when booking.
- Kendwa hosts a famous full-moon beach party at Kendwa Rocks (a neighbouring venue) that draws large crowds — confirm whether this coincides with your stay if noise is a concern.
- Snorkelling directly off Kendwa beach is limited compared to east-coast reef sites; book a guided excursion to Mnemba Atoll for the best reef experience.
- Sunset views from Zuri's beach are among the best on the island — the northwest-facing orientation and low-rise design keep the beach unobstructed from the main pool to the water's edge.
- The resort tends to fill quickly from late December through January and in July to August; advance bookings of three to six months are advisable for peak periods.
When to visit
June to October and December to February for dry, calm conditions with consistent sunshine.
Accessibility
The resort has some sandy beach paths between facilities; the main pool and restaurant areas are more navigable. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the resort directly to confirm room placement.